Weightlifting can be a very difficult, lonely and frustrating sport. A lifter has to deal with set backs and injuries with little recognition. This past weekend’s Iowa Games provided an opportunity for some of the strongest men and women in the state to show their wares in pursuit of gold. For a number of Iowa State students it was a chance to show off what they’ve accomplished through countless hours in the weight room.

“This gives us a chance to have fun and put on a little show for the people,” Tom Goeders said.

Goeders, a senior in exercise and sports science from Emmetsburg, along with his brother Jerry, who is also an exercise and sport science major, and their father, Denny, all competed in this year’s games. Tom and Denny won their respective divisions, while Jerry was unable to lift due to a pectoral injury. Tom had a press of 385 lbs.

“I had lifted for about 20 years while the boys were growing up, and about a year ago I wanted to get back into it,” Denny said. “They instilled it back into me when they started to get huge and now I’m hooked for life.” The 51-year-old Goeders was competing in the Masters I division.

There were 110 competitors in the event with seven flights consisting of lifters of various ages and weights. Weightlifting has been a part of the Iowa Games since its inception 12 years ago.

“We want to make sure the people are comfortable, especially the younger lifters,” Iowa Games bench press commissioner Tim Luloff said. “This is such a good place to get started competing.”

Cyclone football strength and conditioning assistant Mike Berezowski was also competing.

“Lifting is a good thing to get into,” Berezowski said. “Not only does it improve your strength and flexibility, but it improves your self esteem as well.”

Titonka’s Ryan Welhousen, an ISU junior, won the 170.8 junior division with a lift of 265 lbs.

“(The Iowa Games) is something that you can go out and compare yourself to others,” Welhousen said.